By the Editor – In building a capable navy most countries opt for proven designs rather than resourcing R&D, overseeing detailed contractor designs, and building up shipyard capability. But, as the authors argue, those countries are not benefiting from long-term savings by being able to perform their own conceptual designs. Such organic design would enable them to build better their warships based on their specific areas of operation and corresponding threats. A fuller version of this paper was first published in a fuller form in the Journal of Marine Systems & Ocean Technology, 27 Apr…
